Alright, this is the third time you have had to pick up your child from school this week. Your boss is getting annoyed, and you are at your wits’ end. The rigid schedule is fueling your fears about job security. Social pressures, bullying, and school lunch complaints from your child are intensifying feelings of guilt. If you are seeking a more versatile option, home-based learning might be the solution for you. However, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind before homeschooling your child.

Understand the True Reason Behind Homeschooling Your Child

A bad few weeks can certainly trigger you to withdraw your child from public school. However, taking a step back to clarify your reasons for providing home education is important. Doing so may give you a better sense of direction. It can also ensure you are making the most informed decision before moving forward.

Dissatisfaction With Public Schools

Perhaps you can’t get past the disturbing news articles about public schools. Concerns about school safety are a major reason some parents choose to homeschool. Active shooter incidents and violent protests are a growing concern for families. Acts of school violence threaten to undermine public confidence, threaten life safety and security, and emotionally devastate families.

Other significant factors can impact your child’s well-being. Infectious diseases, substance use, community violence, or dissatisfaction with the public school’s curriculum choices or teaching methods can be unsettling. Breaking down what may be influencing your decision to homeschool your child can send you in the right direction. Doing so can provide a greater sense of purpose, stability, and alignment with your family values. 

Short-Term vs Long-Term Goals

Lack of structure or religious education can be a barrier to promoting cultural awareness. However, incorporating faith-based practices or customizing your child’s education can strengthen their moral foundation over time. Short-term goals can lead to long-term success. For example, you have the opportunity to work one-on-one to master specific milestones and prepare a successful career path for your child.  Your child can also complete projects at their own pace without being faced with external pressure.

Assess Your Time, Energy, and Commitment Before Homeschooling Your Child

Choosing to homeschool your child may seem like the wisest choice. However, it’s best to take a step back and evaluate your current situation to ensure that homeschooling your child is feasible. Doing so will provide clarity to determine whether homeschooling aligns best with your child’s needs. 

Do You Have Time to Teach Consistently?

Take time to assess your weekly schedule. Are you a stay-at-home mom, or are you working part-time? Do you often catch yourself working overtime, or do you work full-time? Are you caregiving for a loved one on the side? How is your mental or physical health? If your schedule is busy or you are facing significant challenges with your overall well-being, you may want to reconsider homeschooling your child. However, you can always hire a tutor or seek additional support services to make your plan work out for the best. 

Is Your Family Ready for the Adjustment?

If you feel ready to homeschool your child, prepare yourself for the adjustment ahead. You may be sacrificing some of your free time, but it may be well worth it in the end. Part of making the big transition is finding what works best for your family life. Be sure to find balance and practice self-care when you can. A healthy you is the greatest gift you can give your child!

Learn the Legal Requirements in Your Area Before Homeschooling Your Child

Failure to abide by local homeschooling laws can lead to legal consequences, charges, or problems with education records. However, homeschooling is legal in many places. To find out if you can homeschool your child, it’s best to understand the homeschool laws by state.

For example, you are not required to notify the state of Michigan that you are homeschooling. No recordkeeping, qualifications, attendance, or testing logs are required. However, you must provide clear instructions in the required subjects:

• English
• Reading
• Literature
• Writing
• Spelling
• Grammar
• Civics
• Mathematics

Research Curriculum Options and Teaching Methods Before Homeschooling Your Child

At first, getting started may seem overwhelming. You know you want to homeschool, but you don’t know where to begin. Take comfort in knowing there are several school-at-home options out there. You have the option to purchase books and work completely offline at your own pace. Educational resource sites are also available to families.

Depending on the homeschool program you choose, you may have access to printable worksheets, testing, or videos. Educational packages or homeschool curricula may also provide the option to purchase workbooks or printables. Examples of different education choices that offer faith-based or secular content include the following:

• Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeschooling 
• Time-4-Learning
• k12
• The Good and the Beautiful
• Power Homeschool (by Acellus)

Support Socialization Before Homeschooling Your Child

According to the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthy relationships reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, dementia, or stroke. Thus, establishing strong social connections can increase your life expectancy. For that reason, it is common for some families or new homeschoolers to express their concerns about social interaction.

Although children who are homeschooled lack a busy classroom environment, exploring extracurricular ideas, joining local homeschool groups, or arranging playdates with other kids can provide meaningful interactions. Recreational activities can also support well-rounded child development. 

Extracurricular Ideas

Hands-on, skill-building opportunities can support socialization. For example, you can encourage your child to join a chess, book, or study club. Recreational sports can also boost your child’s mental health. Additional flexible options for homeschoolers include the following:

• Martial arts
• Art classes
• Music lessons
• Dance
• Swim lessons
• Community service
• Learning pods
• Summer camps
• Libraries

Join Local Homeschool Groups

Your child can also join co-ops to improve their communication skills. A co-op is a group of homeschool families who gather together to engage and share resources. Once you join a homeschool co-op, you open a door to more social opportunities such as field trips, holiday parties, and game days. Easy ways to find homeschool groups include the following: 

• Social media
• Homeschool directories
• Local churches
• Community centers
• Regional support networks

Arrange Playdates

If homeschool groups are not your thing, arranging one-on-one playdates can be less stimulating for both you and your child. Doing so can help your child form deeper friendships and collaborate without distractions. Playdates can be ideal for introverted children or those with special needs. One-on-one playdates can also be a more affordable alternative to homeschooling groups, as travel, field trips, or activity costs might be costly.

Evaluate Your Child’s Needs and Learning Style Before Homeschooling Your Child

Every child learns differently. Homeschooling your child can ensure your loved one receives personalized instruction tailored to their needs. For that reason, taking time to assess your child’s needs can help you choose the most effective teaching methods.

Is your child self-motivated or easily distracted? Recognizing their level of independence helps you choose the right structure. Tailoring lessons to their preferred mode of learning makes the learning experience more effective. For example, find out if your child’s learning style is visual, auditory, or hands-on. 

Thinking Carefully Before Making a Decision

Mainstream learning is not for everyone. If you feel public school simply does not meet your child’s needs, that’s where homeschooling can come into play. Many successful individuals were homeschooled. Public figures such as inventors and scientists, writers, and performers found success through homeschooling. For example, Thomas Edison, Mark Twain, Emma Watson, Abraham Lincoln, Venus & Serena Williams were all homeschooled. However, there are a few other things to consider before homeschooling your child:

• Financial considerations
• Educational philosophy
• Your child’s input
• Support systems
• Your patience as a teacher
• Technology
• Support for you as a parent
• Planning for the future